Volunteer with the
Strategic National Stockpile Program

Common Questions about Volunteering with the SNS

What is the Strategic National Stockpile Program?

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services is one of only four in the state to participate in the SNS regional distribution network.The mission of Center for Disease Control's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Program is to ensure the availability and rapid deployment of life-saving pharmaceuticals, antidotes, other medical supplies, and equipment necessary to counter the effects of nerve agents, biological pathogens, and chemical agents. The SNS Program stands ready for immediate deployment to any U.S. location in the event of a terrorist attack using a biological toxin or chemical agent directed against a civilian population.

What would SNS volunteers do?

Volunteers are needed to staff 12 potential sites in Columbia as well as locations throughout Boone County in Ashland, Centralia, Hallsville, Harrisburg, Sturgeon and sites in Howard and Cooper County. SNS volunteers would be called in case of an emergency.

There are a number of medical and non-medical volunteer tasks including:
• Taking health histories
• Maintaining data
• Sharing information on the pharmaceuticals and their effects
• Administering medication
How many volunteers are needed?
Because the stockpile will be distributed to thousands of people in a short amount of time, the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services is seeking the help of over 300 volunteers.

What are my commitments as a volunteer?

Volunteers will need to be available in case of a terrorist attack or other event that triggers the deployment of the SNS in central Missouri. In the near future, the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services will offer other optional training and volunteer opportunities through the Medical Reserve Corps and the Centers for Disease Control.

Am I putting myself at risk by becoming a SNS volunteer?

Strategic National Stockpile volunteers are at no greater risk of contracting illness than the general public.

I have no medical experience. Do you need me to volunteer?

Volunteers with and without medical experience are needed!Yes! Volunteers with no medical experience are welcome to assist. In fact, approximately 80% of the tasks needed to carry out a SNS distribution are non-medical.

I have medical training. What can I do?

Volunteers with medical experience are needed to distribute medication. In your volunteer application, let us know about your medical training and experience. The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services will want a copy of your current license.

Volunteer Orientation

Orientation will provide information on volunteer tasks in the event the SNS is distributed. Volunteers will receive an identification badge and additional details. After you have applied to volunteer, you will be contacted about upcoming volunteer orientations.